Lagos, Nigeria—In a move that has stirred significant debate, the Nigerian government has recently instituted a policy mandating that students must be at least 18 years old to sit for the national exams, including the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO). This decision, aimed at standardizing educational oversight and ensuring a consistent academic trajectory for students across the nation, has raised questions about its impact…

In the realm of child development, early recognition of autism is crucial for timely intervention. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents a considerable challenge in Nigeria, with occurrence rates varying from 1 in 43.5 in the southwest to 1 in 125 in the southeast. A specialist has identified four primary behaviours that could suggest your child might have autism. Autism isn’t a disease but rather a developmental difference that affects how…

In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers in Southern California, findings suggest that regular egg consumption could be linked to a slower rate of cognitive decline in women. The study, drawing on data from the Rancho Bernardo Study, followed a group of middle and upper-middle-class adults to explore the impacts of dietary choices on brain health over time. The research, focusing on a cohort of 890 participants, evaluated cognitive performance…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced new age requirements for students wishing to sit for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams. Candidates under the age of 18 will no longer be eligible to participate in these secondary school leaving examinations.The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, disclosed the directive recently on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’ program. The move aims to standardize the…

ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has initiated a significant reshuffle within Nigeria’s intelligence sector by appointing new leaders for the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS). This was announced on Monday by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President. Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed steps in as the new Director-General of the NIA, bringing extensive experience from international diplomacy and intelligence. Concurrently, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi has…

In a recent event that has caught the public eye and stirred considerable debate, Seyi Tinubu, son of the Nigerian President, was seen seated in a section typically reserved for cabinet members during the swearing-in of Justice Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria on August 22, 2022. This incident has triggered widespread dissatisfaction among Nigerians, prompting discussions about the appropriateness of his presence in such a significant governmental…

A fully loaded Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus overturned on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway near Iyana-Ipaja on Friday morning, injuring 11 passengers. The accident, reported by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), occurred around 7:45 AM. Emergency teams responded swiftly, providing medical aid at the scene before transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. The extent of their injuries has not yet been confirmed. According to LASTMA, the bus had just…

In a move that has drawn sharp international condemnation, the Taliban has issued new restrictions on women, further eroding the already limited rights of Afghan women under its rule. The new orders, part of a 114-page document made available to public, prohibit women from looking at men they do not know, speaking loudly in public or at home, and impose strict dress codes and behavioural restrictions that have sparked outrage…

President Bola Tinubu is set to officially swear in Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on August 23, 2024. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the State House Council Chambers in Abuja, with dignitaries from across the country expected to attend. Justice Kekere-Ekun, born on May 7, 1958, hails from Lagos State. Her father, Alhaji Senator H.A.B. Fasinro, was a notable legal…

Starting September 1, 2024, the cost of obtaining a Nigerian passport will rise significantly. The 32-page passport, valid for five years, will now cost N50,000, up from N35,000. Meanwhile, the 64-page passport, with a ten-year validity, will increase to N100,000, previously N70,000. This change was announced by Nigeria Immigration Service spokesperson DCI K.T. Udo in a statement on August 21, 2024. Notably, passport fees for Nigerians living abroad will remain…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reassured the global community that the current spread of Mpox, particularly the new and more dangerous strain emerging from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, remains under control. Despite these assurances, rising concerns persist as the virus has begun spreading to other African countries and potentially beyond. Monkeypox outbreaks are currently reported in several regions, affecting both adults and children alike. Monkeypox is transmitted…

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is urging former President Goodluck Jonathan to consider running in the 2027 presidential election. This call comes as dissatisfaction grows, particularly among northern elites, with President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has publicly supported Jonathan, praising his resilience and integrity, and highlighting his potential to lead the nation again. Senator Bala Mohammed made the recommendation at an event organised by a…